IP Library › Granted Patent US 12693314
Granted Patent B1
US 12693314 · App. 18/658,905 · Granted Jul 28, 2026

Method and apparatus for sensing current

Inventors: Jacob L. Lowe (Albuquerque, NM); Matthew Domonkos (Albuquerque, NM); John J. Osowski (Los Lunas, NM)
Assignee: XL Scientific, LLC
G01R15/181G01R19/0092
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12693314
App. No.
18/658,905
Granted
Jul 28, 2026
Kind
B1
Abstract

A method and apparatus for sending current. A flow of current can be passed through a portion of the sensor, such that the sensor forms part of the current flow circuit. The sensor can be especially useful in high vacuum environments and/or in areas where a small sensor is desired. In one embodiment, the current sensor can form part of a ground circuit and a leg of the sensor can comprise a leg of the drive circuit. A current sensing loop of the sensor can at least partially encircle a portion of the sensor itself such that the current sensing loop senses current flowing through the sensor.

Claims (8)

1 . A method for monitoring current flow into a pressurized or vacuum chamber by:

allowing a flow of a drive current to travel along at least a portion of a component of a current sensor such that the current sensor forms a portion of a drive current circuit and such that the flow of the drive current is interrupted when the current sensor is removed;

sensing the drive current flowing through the current sensor by monitoring a voltage and/or a current generated in a current sensing loop that is wrapped at least one time around at least a portion of the current sensor.

2 . The method of claim 1 wherein allowing a flow of a drive current to travel along at least a portion of a component of a current sensor comprises allowing at least 99% of a flow of a drive current to travel along at least a portion of a component of a current sensor.

3 . The method of claim 1 wherein allowing a flow of a drive current to travel along at least a portion of a component of a current sensor comprises allowing a flow of a drive current to travel along a housing of the current sensor.

4 . The method of claim 3 wherein allowing a flow of a drive current to travel along at least a portion of a component of a current sensor comprises allowing a flow of a drive current to travel along the housing of the current sensor and along a housing standoff of the current sensor.

5 . The method of claim 1 wherein monitoring a voltage and/or a current generated in a current sensing loop comprises monitoring a voltage and/or a current generated in a current sensing loop that at least partially encircles a housing standoff of the current sensor.

6 . The method of claim 1 further comprising directing a flow of drive current through a conductor which also conducts a flow of electricity generated by a Rogowski coil.